Inside the AI that got the election right

This episode dives deep into the role of AI in the 2024 U.S. election coverage, particularly the performance of the chatbot Perplexity. The key points covered include:

Perplexity's successful real-time election updates strike a balance between speed and accuracy by partnering with trusted data sources.
Contrast with other AI chatbots like Grok, which struggled with biased and inaccurate information.
Implications of Perplexity's success raise questions about the evolving relationship between AI, traditional media, and the public.
Legal and ethical challenges around AI content acquisition and the clash between AI platforms and established media organizations. -
The broader potential of AI to transform various industries like healthcare and education, as well as concerns about exacerbating inequality and the need for responsible development.

The overall message is that the future of AI is not predetermined, and public engagement and vigilance will be crucial in shaping this transformative technology for the benefit of all.

Episode Transcript

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Revolutionizing Real-Time News

INSIDE THE AI THAT GOT THE ELECTION NIGHT RIGHT

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RESOURCES

Ai-First for Boutique Consultants: https://wwww.teamlawless.com
BeyondAI 2025 Summit: https://www.teamlawless.com/beyondai-2025

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SUMMARY

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The episode discusses the role of AI in reporting real-time election results, using the example of Perplexity AI. Key insights include:

- Perplexity prioritized accuracy over speed in delivering election results, partnering with trusted sources like the Associated Press to build credibility.
- The episode highlights the importance of responsible AI use, transparency, and client support, using examples from Perplexity's approach and consultant Andrew Lawless's experience.
- It emphasizes the value of niche expertise, strategic partnerships, and integrating AI to enhance human expertise rather than over-automating.
- The discussion suggests that Perplexity's success in election coverage could pave the way for AI to disrupt traditional media models and revolutionize reporting on other complex, real-time events.

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TRANSCRIPT

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Andrew’s Mindmate (00:00):
Thinking back to election night 2024, all those nailbiting moments, the constant refreshing of news sites, just that feeling of information overload. What if there was a better way to stay informed, like a more reliable source for those real-time results?

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (00:15):
That's where AI is starting to play a really interesting role in this deep dive. We're going to explore how one company perplexity AI tackled reporting those real-time election results while so many other AI giants sat it out.

Andrew’s Mindmate (00:30):
I find that really interesting. We have some great insights from Andrew Lawless who's an AI consultant to guide us through this. He has a really unique perspective on perplexity approach, so we'll be weaving in his observations and experiences to see what lessons we can learn for AI consultants and really anyone interested in harnessing AI's power. Right,

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (00:48):
And it's interesting because while the big names like your open AIS and even Google decided to steer clear of the high stakes game of live election results, perplexity just jumped right in. They created this election information hub, and the really key thing here is they prioritized accuracy over speed.

Andrew’s Mindmate (01:05):
Interesting. Especially in the AI world, speed is king. Can you tell me a little bit about why they made that decision?

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (01:11):
Well, Andrew Lawless uses this analogy he calls perplexity the Bruce Lee of ai, Bruce Lee, known for precision control, not just raw power, and similarly perplexity focused on making these calculated moves carefully validating data and ensuring accuracy. They partnered with trusted sources like these Associated Press and Democracy works similar to how Google uses those authoritative sources for their election maps.

Andrew’s Mindmate (01:38):
Oh, okay. So it's not just about being fast, it's about being Right. I think that's a valuable lesson, not just for AI, but for consulting in general. Right?

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (01:45):
Oh yeah, absolutely. Andrew points out clients, they don't want just a quick answer. They want the right answer. And he actually has a pretty funny anecdote to illustrate this. He was using Chachi PT to fact check his own article about perplexity. Right. And the chatbot incorrectly stated the election was in 2022.

Andrew’s Mindmate (02:02):
Oh yeah. I remember reading about that. It even went as far as suggesting that Andrew was married to his best man's wife.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (02:07):
Yeah,

Andrew’s Mindmate (02:08):
Talk about AI hallucinations.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (02:10):
Yeah, exactly. It shows that rushing into things without proper checks and balances can lead to some pretty embarrassing and also potentially damaging mistakes.

Andrew’s Mindmate (02:20):
Makes you wonder how chat GPT would've handled real time election results if couldn't even get the year right.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (02:27):
Right. That's a great point. It underscores the value of perplexity kind of slow and steady approach. They recognized that trust is paramount, especially when you're dealing with something as sensitive as election results, and one way they built trust was partnering with those established news organizations.

Andrew’s Mindmate (02:44):
It's like they borrowed that credibility. Right. Nobody knew perplexity back then, but they knew and trusted the Associated press.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (02:50):
Exactly. Andrew calls this borrowing trust capital brilliant strategy. For any AI startup or consultant who may not have that instant name recognition, you partner with established brands, you gain credibility and access to a wider audience.

Andrew’s Mindmate (03:04):
It clearly worked for Perplexity and Andrew himself, he talks about starting out as a solo consultant in 2009. Nobody wanted to attend his webinars, but then he starts partnering with these big names, Hewlett Packard New Tap, and all of a sudden the webinars are packed.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (03:20):
Right. It's all about leveraging those existing relationships and reputations to kind of build your own brand and gain that visibility.

Andrew’s Mindmate (03:26):
It's a great example of how strategic partnerships can really change the game, especially in a field like AI where trust is so crucial. And it's kind of ironic because so many AI startups act like lone wolves, but perplexity show that collaboration can be a huge advantage.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (03:44):
Absolutely. And this partnership strategy also had some interesting implications for the future of journalism and how we consume information.

Andrew’s Mindmate (03:51):
It's interesting.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (03:52):
If AI can deliver accurate, real-time election results, imagine what else it could do.

Andrew’s Mindmate (03:57):
I know we're already seeing platforms like Start Motion media and aloof systems using AI for real-time reporting and analysis, but perplexity success really opens up new possibilities

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (04:07):
And it kind of raises this question, what if people start getting their election news directly from AI platforms like Perplexity? It could potentially disrupt traditional media models in a really big way.

Andrew’s Mindmate (04:18):
So we see how perplexity is kind of shaking things up in the media landscape, but Andrew Lawless also highlights a valuable lesson here for consultants, especially those running those boutique firms. It's all about real time client support.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (04:32):
Yes. Perplexity didn't just set up their system and walk away. They were constantly monitoring it, responding to user feedback and addressing any issues immediately. They were incredibly transparent about their process, which further strengthened that trust they had built.

Andrew’s Mindmate (04:46):
And that's something that Andrew emphasizes for consultants as well. Right. Building trust isn't just about apologizing when things go wrong. It's about proactively addressing challenges and being open about AI's capabilities and limitations.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (04:59):
Exactly. And Andrew actually uses another example from his own experience to illustrate this. He was using AI to analyze a consulting offer he'd received, but the AI kept giving him different answers and he realized that the AI wasn't properly trained for that specific task.

Andrew’s Mindmate (05:15):
So it's not just about plugging in the technology and hoping for the best. It's about understanding the technology, using it

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (05:22):
Responsibly

Andrew’s Mindmate (05:23):
And being transparent with your clients about what it can and can't do.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (05:26):
Absolutely. And that leads us to another important point. AI shouldn't be about replacing human expertise. It should be about enhancing it. Andrew is a strong advocate for what he calls integrating, not over automating.

Andrew’s Mindmate (05:40):
Okay. And Perplexity did that really well with their election information hub. Right? They used AI for tasks like data collection and analysis, which are perfect for automation, but then they had humans interpreting that data and delivering the

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (05:51):
Information precisely. It's about finding that balance between AI strengths and human for consultants. This means figuring out how to leverage AI for those data-driven tasks while still providing the strategic recommendations and insights that clients value. It's a powerful approach, and it kind of speaks to another point Andrew makes about the importance of specialization in the AI consulting world. Look at perplexity. They didn't try to do everything. They focused on election night data. They became the go-to experts in that niche.

Andrew’s Mindmate (06:23):
So instead of trying to be everything to everyone, it's better to focus on a specific area. It sounds kind of counterintuitive in this age of rapid technological advancements, but it makes sense when you think about it.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (06:35):
Exactly. And Andrew had a similar experience in his own career when he first started out as a consultant, he was struggling to get noticed. He was just another consultant in a sea of consultants.

Andrew’s Mindmate (06:44):
Yeah, I imagine it's tough to stand out in such a crowded field. So what did he do?

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (06:49):
He decided to focus on a niche area.

Andrew’s Mindmate (06:51):
Localization.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (06:52):
Localization.

Andrew’s Mindmate (06:53):
Yeah.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (06:53):
That seems incredibly specific. It is. It's a highly specialized field that involves adapting products and services for different languages and cultures. And that specialization is what made him stand out. He became the expert in that field and it opened up all these incredible opportunities. He even testified before the US Senate about the importance of localization for US economic security.

Andrew’s Mindmate (07:16):
Wow. From struggling consultant to expert witness. That's quite a journey.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (07:21):
It is. And it highlights the power of finding your niche and becoming indispensable in that area. He has another great example from his work with OCLC, which is this global library cooperative.

Andrew’s Mindmate (07:34):
Okay, tell me more about that.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (07:34):
So OCLC was implementing this new content management system, but the company that made the system didn't have the expertise to integrate it properly with OC C's specific data formats and localization needs.

Andrew’s Mindmate (07:48):
Oh, so they needed someone with very specific skills to bridge that gap.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (07:52):
Exactly. And Andrew was that guy. He had the expertise to make it work, and his work on that project ended up influencing their development roadmap and it got him speaking gigs at major conferences. Big companies like Deloitte and Accenture even sought him out to help with their own localization projects.

Andrew’s Mindmate (08:10):
It's amazing how focusing on that one specific area led to so many opportunities. It shows that even a solo consultant can have a huge impact if they have the right expertise. And this principle applies like whether you're using AI or not. It's about finding that sweet spot where your expertise meets a real market need.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (08:30):
Absolutely. And just like finding your niche is important, so is providing that exceptional client support, especially during those high stakes moments, like Perplexity really nailed this during their election night coverage.

Andrew’s Mindmate (08:40):
Yeah. I remember reading about how responsive they were to any issues that popped up. It seemed like they were constantly monitoring their systems and addressing user feedback in real time.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (08:49):
They were. And that responsiveness is key, especially when you're dealing with something as time sensitive as election results. It goes back to Andrew's advice about being proactive when it comes to these AI related challenges. You can't just wait for things to break before you fix them. You need to be constantly monitoring, evaluating, making adjustments to ensure that accuracy and reliability.

Andrew’s Mindmate (09:11):
Yeah, you're a vigilant guardian of the technology. You're making sure it's performing as expected and addressing any hiccups immediately.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (09:18):
Exactly. And that vigilance, it builds trust, which is something that Andrew emphasizes over and over again. He talks about this idea of transparency and real time client support as being essential for success in the AI world

Andrew’s Mindmate (09:32):
Because ultimately clients need to feel confident that you're not only using AI responsibly, but you're also there to support them every step of the way. And perplexity demonstrated that beautifully.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (09:42):
Absolutely. They didn't just throw the technology out there and hope for the best. They were constantly communicating with users, explaining how their AI worked, addressing concerns and making sure everyone felt comfortable with information they were receiving.

Andrew’s Mindmate (09:55):
So it's not just about having a great product, it's about building that relationship with your clients, making them feel like they're a part of the process.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (10:02):
Exactly. And this leads us to another key takeaway. The importance of integrating AI thoughtfully, not just automating everything for the sake of automation,

Andrew’s Mindmate (10:12):
Right? It's about finding that balance between AI's strengths and human expertise like Perplexity did with their election information hub. They used AI for data collection and analysis, but they still had humans interpreting that data and ensuring the information was accurate and reliable.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (10:29):
Exactly. This is where Andrew's philosophy of integrate don't over automate really shines. He believes that AI is most effective when it's used to enhance human expertise, not replace it.

Andrew’s Mindmate (10:40):
So it's not about humans versus machines, it's about humans, A and D machines working together to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (10:48):
Precisely, and this is especially important for consultants to remember. AI can be a fantastic assistant, but it's not a replacement for a skilled consultant. Consultants should be focusing on those higher level tasks that require human intuition, creativity, and experience.

Andrew’s Mindmate (11:04):
Yeah. It's about leveraging AI to free up our time and mental energy so that we can focus on those more strategic and nuanced aspects of our work.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (11:12):
Exactly. And speaking of strategy, Andrew makes this interesting point about the importance of focusing on long-term client success rather than chasing those quick wins.

Andrew’s Mindmate (11:22):
That's a really important distinction. I think in a world that's obsessed with instant gratification, it's easy to get caught up in delivering quick results and moving on to the next project. But what does that look like in practice? How do you prioritize long-term success?

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (11:36):
Well, it starts with building those lasting relationships with your clients. You're not just there to deliver a one-off project and disappear. You're there to be a partner in their success to help them navigate the complexities of AI and achieve their long-term goals.

Andrew’s Mindmate (11:49):
So it's about shifting your mindset from being like a transactional service provider to becoming a trusted advisor who's invested in their client's long-term success.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (11:57):
Exactly. It's about building something that lasts, something that creates real value, something that makes a positive impact, and that's the kind of approach that fosters true trust and loyalty.

Andrew’s Mindmate (12:07):
And that's what Perplexity did so well with their election night coverage. Right? They weren't just there to report the results. They were providing a valuable service, empowering users with accurate and real-time information in a transparent and responsible way.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (12:22):
Absolutely. It was a masterclass in how to use AI effectively, ethically, and in a way that builds trust and delivers real value. And I think those lessons are incredibly valuable for anyone working in the AI consulting world or anyone looking to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

Andrew’s Mindmate (12:38):
So what does this all mean? I think it means that perplexity approach to the 2024 election offers some really valuable lessons for AI consultants and really anyone looking to harness the power of AI responsibly and effectively.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (12:50):
It's about accuracy, transparency, and trust, and understanding that AI isn't just about speed and automation. It's about using AI to enhance that human expertise and build solutions that are reliable, trustworthy, and truly beneficial.

Andrew’s Mindmate (13:06):
What I find so exciting is that this is just the beginning, right? We're only scratching the surface of what's possible if AI can accurately predict and report election results. Imagine what other complex real-time events it could revolutionize.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (13:19):
Exactly. If AI can tackle election night, what else can it do? Think about areas like financial markets, disaster response, or even personalized healthcare. We're on the cusp of this new era where AI can help us make better decisions faster and with more confidence.

Andrew’s Mindmate (13:34):
That's a really exciting thought, and it brings us back to Andrew Lawless and his insights into how to navigate this evolving landscape. He's got some great advice for anyone looking to build a successful career in AI consulting.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (13:45):
He does. He talks about the importance of finding your niche, building those strategic partnerships, and always putting the client's needs first, it's about being a problem solver, a trusted advisor and someone who's constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with ai.

Andrew’s Mindmate (14:00):
And for anyone who wants to learn more about Andrew's insights and strategies, you can check out his [email protected]. He's got some fantastic resources there for consultants and anyone interested in those practical applications of ai.

Steph’s Digital Ambassador (14:13):
It's been a fascinating deep dive, and as always, there's so much more to explore. The world of AI is constantly evolving, and it's up to us to shape its future responsibly and ethically.

Andrew’s Mindmate (14:24):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive. We'll see you next time for another exploration into the world around us.

Inside the AI that got the election right

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